Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

LOCATION
Sensor mounted on throttle shaft.

PURPOSE
PCM uses sensor input with other inputs to determine current operating conditions.

PCM adjusts air/fuel mixture (injector pulse width) and ignition timing.

OPERATION
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) supplies 5 volt sensor reference voltage.

Sensor is a variable resistor (potentiometer), whose resistance is dependent on the angle of the throttle blade (or throttle opening).

Output voltage ranges from approximately 1 Volt, (at idle position), to approximately 5 Volts, (at Wide Open Throttle).